More than 10 000 students will sit mandatory electronic examinations for the first time in January, as the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) moves to administer all multiple-choice papers for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) fully online.
In an exclusive interview with Barbados TODAY, CXC’s Director of Operations, Dr Nicole Manning, said the move marks a decisive shift in how secondary school assessments are delivered across the region.
Dr Manning explained that while it would be the first time January examinations would be conducted entirely in that mode, she said electronic testing was not new to CXC.
“No candidate will be writing the multiple choice on paper. They won’t be shading. They’ll be selecting it on the computer,” she said, while adding that the format aligns with how students already interact with technology, placing them in “their best comfort zone.”
In addition to fully electronic multiple-choice papers, Paper Two will be administered using a hybrid model, with the exam appearing on screen while candidates write their answers on paper.
Dr Manning said this format would allow candidates a “soft approach to the next level,” providing a transitional step as they adapt to digital assessments.
She emphasised that safeguards are in place to ensure fairness and security in the exam process.
The January sitting was selected for the digital rollout because it involves a smaller number of candidates, making it easier to manage infrastructure and operational requirements.
Dr Manning explained that analysis showed the May/June sitting requires almost three times the capacity, making a full electronic rollout more complex.
She revealed that while the January examinations are being used as a testing ground for a broader digital transformation of regional assessments, if they proceed smoothly, electronic testing could eventually be mandated for all sittings, offering greater efficiency and flexibility for the territories.
“If we can manage a small session like January, we can then increase and manage larger sessions effectively,” Dr Manning pointed out.
She described the initiative as part of a long-held vision for on-demand examinations, which would allow CXC to be more agile and responsive.
Ensuring infrastructure readiness has been a central focus, and Dr Manning said territories are being supported with additional invigilators and detailed manuals to manage the electronic exams.
She noted that some 18 invigilators will be assigned in addition to regular personnel to ensure proper oversight.
“We have been working with the territories to make sure we have manuals and so on, to make sure that you have invigilators that can manage that kind of invigilation for e-testing,” Dr Manning said.
She also highlighted the importance of electricity and internet connectivity, revealing that CXC communicates directly with telecoms and utility companies in each territory to prevent disruptions during exams.
“We write literally to the telecoms companies as well as the companies that manage, of course, electricity in the countries to let them know.”
“We give it to our local registrars and they share it with these utility companies for them to be reminded of the exam dates so that it’s more than just the local registrar, it’s more than just the Ministry of Education, to ensure you have no sudden cut out of electricity and so you are conscious that exams are going on,” Dr Manning said.
Candidates setting exams in May or June next year will still complete exams on paper but will have the option to sit multiple-choice components electronically.
Dr Manning emphasised that while January participation is compulsory, electronic testing in May/June will remain optional.
On candidate numbers, Dr Manning reported that the January sitting involves just over 10 000 subject entries, noting that each student may take multiple exams. In contrast, May/June sees over 100 000 candidates covering almost 600 000 subject areas.
Next month, 13 CSEC subjects are being offered including Mathematics, English, Principles of Business, Principles of Accounts, Spanish, French, Human and Social Biology, Social Studies, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics.
She said the digital transition could eventually improve the efficiency of results processing, although this depends on regional uptake.
Asked whether electronic delivery would allow results to be released more quickly, she said it would be possible “if everybody comes on because that’s what is important.”
sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb
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